07 February 2012
Spectrum Internet saves broadband ‘not spot’ area St Brides
News broke this week that the Broadband Support Scheme Wales has been extended to allow for more community not spots to gain fast broadband with the help of Welsh Government funding. Business Minister Edwina Hart announced this decision after visiting St Brides Wentlooge, near Newport where residents praised Spectrum Internet on being able to provide them with fast broadband thanks to the Welsh Government funding.
The scheme was due to end at the end of March 2012 but due to the recent success of the 50 plus residents in St Brides no longer having to wait ages for a dial up connection or the use of a ‘dongle’ to gain access to the internet, the scheme has happily been extended.
"The St Brides project is one of many community schemes we are supporting around Wales and demonstrates how effective the Broadband Support Scheme is in eradicating not spots and supporting communities to deliver a sustainable broadband service to rural areas of Wales." Edwina said in her announcement.
Spectrum Internet put the £1000 grants to good use in St Brides Wentlooge where a microwave backhaul link was used to supply a connection to a street cabinet just outside Nellive Park. The project is an example of a successful community led application to the scheme involving many residents. The average speeds residents are getting are between 8 Mbps and 15 Mbps- which is a major increase to the previous 0.5 Mbps. One resident, Ian Cummings, was very pleased with his new broadband provided by Spectrum Internet:
"Running a number of businesses requires a strong, fast, reliable internet connection and it has been essential while setting up Tiny Rebel Brewing Company. We are in constant communication with the Tiny Rebel Studios in Los Angeles, a games software manufacturer which is run by my son and our graphic and website designers in Canada.
Our new connection is tremendous. It means our download speeds have increased dramatically enabling us to work more efficiently and improve communication, especially with our overseas suppliers. "
Ian Cummings, Director of Evol (Wales) Ltd
Due to this recent success in St Brides, Spectrum Internet are talking to a number of community not spots throughout Wales who want fast broadband in 2012. Call 029 200 22 345 for more information on the St Brides project or visit http://www.spectrum-internet.co.uk.